Youth, these days, have to combat a lot of emotional stress, thanks to the fast lifestyle, technology, modernization, and other socio-economic reasons. We probe further, and talk about the possible causes of frustration among the youth today.
Studies show that the overuse of technology can prove to be extremely harmful to one’s mental health. A question we should ask ourselves: Are our smartphones and other smart gadgets making us dumb and emotionally void?
Why to tame the roaring mind?
Good or bad, all turned blind,
The roses are all black,
In darkness, losing track,
The world is all fabricated,
Here we lay,
Frustrated and devastated …
“I am frustrated with my life!” This term has come on the tip of the tongue of almost everyone that we meet today. Today’s youth are most prone to frustrations. It is not surprising that suicide rates have increased by leaps and bounds all over the world. What is the reason that the generation today is so weak-hearted? Why is our life filled with frustrations? Why does a single negative comment or an incident that happens against our wish tend to irk us so much? Be it waiting at a traffic light, or a long line at the eating joint, everything gets on our nerves.
The Virginia Tech Shooting in 2007, where a student gunned down several students and faculty members, including himself, proves the rising amount of frustration and violence among youth these days. Where does this anguish stem from? What are the possible reasons of this frustration and anger? While a lot depends on socio-economic factors, the reasons can be different for different places. For a developing country, the major concern for the youth might be unemployment. For a radically modern culture, frustration might stem from obsession with technology, fashion, bullying, etc. On the other hand, in a culture where there is less freedom, youngsters might be frustrated over the fact that their voice is unheard, and they do not have the liberty to live life as they want.
Common Causes of Frustration Among Youth
Time Management
Time management is the biggest issue today. Though machines have automated so many things, yet, we always find ourselves running out of time. We all have lost the ability to have patience, want things to move quickly, and detest a slow-paced life.
Unemployment
This is the greatest cause of frustration among youngsters, especially in developing countries. When education does not guarantee jobs, it is certain that the youth is going to be disturbed. Well, again, a lot depends on the political and economic status of that nation. An empty mind is a devil’s workshop indeed. This is a grave cause of why crime rates can increase and disrupt the civil life of that country.
Feeling of Worthlessness
Lack of confidence is one of the major issues of the youth today. When they’re not accepted in their schools, are bullied, or do not manage to reach the top position, a feeling of worthlessness immediately crops up. Moreover, this also leads to depression.
Overuse of Technology
Internet addiction may also lead to antisocial behavior. A bad comment over a social networking site, or frustration vented out over a boyfriend/girlfriend for not responding to a text message is nothing but over-obsession. Less time is spent on real-life personal communication, which does not boost ‘sharing, caring, and giving’.
Over-obsession with Fashion
Youngsters, today, want to look their best, often looking at it as a parameter for social acceptability. They often follow fashion trends of celebrities, and subject themselves to atrocious diets to achieve that ‘perfect figure’.
Lack of Family Time
With the rise in nuclear families, giving time to children becomes difficult for parents. This loss is usually compensated by parents, by giving in to tantrums thrown by their kids. Nonetheless, parents being too busy in their careers, or their lives, leaves children unattended. These kids often grow up to be frustrated and angry from inside.
Physical Abuse
If a person has been subject to any kind of physical abuse during childhood, there are high chances that he/she will grow up to be an extremely difficult person.
Watching Too Much Violence
Video games and movies that propagate violence somewhere impact the mental health of youngsters who play and watch them. As such, there are an increasing number of cases of students who are having anger management issues.
Causes for Frustration in a Student’s Life
Pressure to Be the Best
The Darwinian theory of ‘Survival of the Fittest’ still continues today. ‘BE THE BEST’. Outsmart your peers, your colleagues, and show that you’re a shining star. Yes, but at what cost? Much of the frustration is caused due to the notion set by society, that if you’re not the best or good enough, you will not be ‘accepted’.
Comparison with Others
Got a sibling who always scores better grades? As kids, most of us have gone through this ‘comparison analysis’. Well, it is indeed frustrating to be told that we are not good enough like brother or sister dearest. Constant nagging eventually leads to frustration.
Education System
Lack of a proper education system can be one of the reasons for anger among youth. Other than that, an unfair examination system, favoritism by teachers, lack of amenities and resources for learning, etc., can multiply the frustration levels.
Frustration, if converted into constructive purpose, can serve to be the biggest catalyst for ambition. On the other hand, it might also sow the seeds for negative behavior. As writer Khalid Masood has said, “It’s a frustrated, frustrated, frustrated, frustrated world.” As it may seem, frustrated youth can be harmful for society. Bullying is also a sign of frustration. In extreme cases, it may lead to drug addiction, or even suicide. These are enough warnings to indicate that it is high time that we take corrective actions to improve our mental health and lifestyle.
